Sunday, January 31, 2016

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- The South Carolina State Bulldogs football team knew at the end of the 2015 season that eight of the 22 players on the defense’s two-deep roster had played their final games in an SCSU uniform.

Replacing those players and their experience was a known need that SCSU Head Coach Buddy Pough knew he would encounter during this offseason and heading into the 2016 SCSU preseason workouts.

As of this week, the Bulldogs defense has lost another key component, as second-year defensive coordinator Tommy Restivo was announced on Tuesday as the new DC at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

In the 2015 campaign, Restivo steered the Bulldogs defensive unit to performances that led the nation (FCS rankings) in sacks, tackles for loss, pass efficiency defense and third-down defense. The Bulldogs also finished the season nationally-ranked third in passing defense, fourth in scoring defense, sixth in total defense and 25th in rushing defense.

"Tommy did a fine job for us and we appreciate it," Coach Pough said on Thursday. "This sort of thing happens when you hire high-end guys; people will try to come get them."